The St Alexius Beguinage

Looking for an oasis of peace in the heart of the town? Welcome to the St Alexius Beguinage! A green square with a chapel in the centre, surrounded by sixty-one houses...

The Beguinage was built in 1288 and has been occupied ever since. At one time two hundred and fifty Beguines, members of a religious sisterhood, lived here. The last, Ernestine De Bruyne, died in 1975.

Her former home (nr. 25 H. Begga) holds a museum of folklore. Spread over three floors and a great many rooms, visitors will learn about housekeeping, work and recreation in the lives of former generations.

To keep the memory of the beguines alive, one small house (nr.11 H. Bonifacius) has been furnished as an authentic beguine's home.

House nr. 20 disposes of a detailed historical documentation centre with a specialized library, photographs and slides concerning Dendermonde.

Like the Belfry, the beguinage was granted UNESCO World Heritage status.